Welsh football news - March 2001.

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Wales football news - March 2001.

Armenia importance.

Mark Hughes is not taking Armenia lightly ahead of the game on Saturday. Hughes has also emphasised the importance of the next few days in the attempt to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

"	They are not to be underestimated. They are a workmanlike side and compete very well. We have to take points from both this game and the one with Ukraine next week, it's a simple as that	"
	Mark Hughes.

Friday, March 23rd 2001.
in the sun.

Armenia training.

The squad had their first training session today at the derelict Nairi Stadium, but under UEFA regulations will be allowed to train once at the new Republican Stadium before Saturday's game.

John Robinson missed training today with a stomach injury. It is hope he will be able to train tomorrow.

Thursday, March 22nd 2001.
in the sun.

Giggs return?

Mark Hughes remains confident that Ryan Giggs will join up with the squad after the Armenia game on Saturday. If Giggs does he appear he will be available for the Ukraine game a week on Wednesday.

"	Ryan won't be involved against Armenia, but I'm very hopeful he'll be involved against Ukraine.	"
	Mark Hughes.

Monday, March 19th 2001.
in the sun.

United pull out Giggs.

Manchester United have pulled Ryan Giggs out of the squad to face Armenia next Saturday. It is still not clear at the moment whether he will be available to play against the Ukraine four days later.

Assistant coach Mark Bowen has accepted that Giggs withdrawal is a massive blow.

Friday, March 16th 2001.
in the sun.

World Cup squad.

Mark Hughes has named a 26-man squad to face Armenia and Ukraine in World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month. There are three surprises in the squad, Cardiff City captain Andy Legg - who last played for Wales three years ago - has been recalled, also called up are Christian Edwards of Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield's Town Steve Jenkins. Only 20 players will travel to Yerevan to face Armenia.

Craig Bellamy returns to the squad after his two-match ban. Mark Hughes has also invited Wrexham-born Tranmere Rovers midfielder Jason Koumas to train with the squad.

full squad list

"	The importance of the Armenia game should not be under estimated because if we get any kind of positive result it sets us up for the Ukraine game where anything could happen in front of a big crowd.	"
	Mark Hughes.

Monday, March 12th 2001.
in the sun.

Disappointed Savage.

Robbie Savage says he is disappointed at being
suspended for the match against Armenia.

Savage has said he cannot stand watching games and would rather miss the Armenia trip and join up with squad for the Ukraine game four days later.

He is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in previous matches.

"	I'm gutted to be missing the next World Cup match and fear I may not get back in the side against the Ukraine if the lads do well in Armenia.	"
	Robbie Savage.

Wednesday, March 7th 2001.
in the sun.

La Manga success.

As the Welsh Management and Players returned from La Manga manager Mark Hughes has hailed the training camp trip as a success. On his arrival back he expressed his thanks to the club managers for letting their players join the training trip.

Good weather out in Spain meant the players could train about three hours a day, which would not have been possible if they would have stayed in this country.

"	The players responded well and applied themselves well to what we wanted them to do.	"
	Mark Hughes.

"	All in all, it was an invaluable exercise.	"
	Mark Bowen.

Friday, March 2nd 2001.
in the sun.